Receiver Tiquan Underwood to be released by Bucs, other WRs might be spared

Bucs receiver Tiquan Underwood, who had an impressive training camp capped with a notable performance in Wednesday’s preseason finale, won’t be part of the final roster.

His agent, Vance Malinovic told the Times that Underwood has been released by the Bucs.

Coach Greg Schiano indicated on Thursday that the receiver position was going to be one that was difficult to pare, but decisions are clearly being made.

Underwood’s release opens the door for one or more other receivers on the bubble to make the squad. Those would include Sammie Stroughter and Jordan Shipley. Roster spots seemed sewed up for Vincent Jackson, Mike Williams, Preston Parker and Arrelious Benn. Both Stroughter and Shipley can contribute on special teams, though it's unclear how much that will weigh in the decision to keep or release them.

Perhaps complicating this decision is the fact that Underwood played for Schiano at Rutgers and remains fond of the player today. But Schiano said after Underwood's signing in the offseason that their relationship wouldn't play a role in future decisions about Underwood.

Final cuts are due to the league office at 9 p.m. tonight, but the Bucs aren’t expected to reveal their moves until later in the evening.

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